SCETV Workshops Spring 2010

The time-lapse video above gives some indication of the frenetic pace I’ve been hitting this week. Several months ago I agree to once again do my Google Earth workshops for the SCETV Technology Conference. Had I known how hectic these past two weeks were going to be even without the conference, I might have reconsidered. However, despite PASS testing, 135th day counts, and other pressing needs in Spartanburg Five, I headed on down for the Wednesday – Friday sessions.

As I had done last year, I’m presenting two different sessions. The first is a basic introduction to Google Earth. The teachers get some time just to become familiar with the program’s controls and navigation, and I give them some suggestions for using it in their classrooms. The second session is more in-depth. I cover ways that Google Earth can be used to create highly interactive lessons buy using embedded media. I tend to get lots of oohs and ahs with that session because there is some really cool stuff you can do.

Wednesday we had a luncheon and were joined by several representatives from Discovery Education. Phillipe Cousteau, grandson of Jaques Cousteau, was our keynote speaker. In the evening the Discovery Educators Network (DEN) STAR members had a dinner at the SCETV studios, and we were again joined by Phillipe Cousteau. He spoke about some of his current environmental education endeavors.

Since this was a relatively small group, we also took some time to share some neat instructional technology ideas. It was great seeing some of my edtech friends again. I keep up with most of these folks via Twitter and Facebook, but nothing beats being able to talk in person. After the dinner several of us headed out to raise a pint of Guinness in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

Thursday brought more workshops. By this time I was hoping my voice would hold out. I managed to make it, and I even get a bit of free time in the afternoon. I took my camera and headed toward the Riverbanks Botanical Garden.

The Botanical Garden is part of Riverbanks Zoo, but is located on the opposite bank of the Saluda River. There were a few things blooming, such as daffodils and a few tulips. Give it a week or so and I imagine much more would be in bloom.

I took the paved trail down to the river and to the footbridge across to the zoo. Staying on the west bank, I continued on the trail up to the old Saluda Mill ruins. As the river flows through the old raceways it creates quite a rapid. Mill Race Rapid, further out into the main part of the river, is a favorite whitewater spot for local paddlers.

For the evening, I headed over to my friend Dwight’s house and had a great meal with Dwight, Sue, and Adam. I even learn that there are multiple ways to tie one’s shoes.

Tomorrow I’ve got two more workshops, then I get to head home. I think I will be ready.